From biblical times, to current times, and all of the eras in between, the trumpet sounds, and both men and women are called to duty. In the world of jazz, it’s quite the same. In the case of jazz, however, the call to duty is to create great music. Today we celebrate the joyful presence of the trumpet, and there are, indeed, Trumpets Galore!! Chris Botti, Rick Braun, Cindy Bradley, Roy Hargrove, Michael C. Lewis, Sasha Mashin, Hugh Masekela, Wynton Marsalis, Pete Dingon, and Till Bronner, just to barely touch the surface of all of the great trumpeters that have graced our hungry ears down through the years. I realize that those mentioned are all from contemporary times and that there were a ton of great trumpet players that came before them – I am saving the founders until Founders’ Day returns next year. I have missed it, thus far, every year since I started this blog. One thing or another caused me to put off that daunting, yet fulfilling task, year after year. The most haunting was the onset of COVID, and more than anything other excuse, that one caused me to stop dead in my tracks.
I now direct your attention to a “trumpeter” by the name of Jazzy James, Jr. The first song that I heard by him was Elle Magnifique (Blowers Cut). Yet another song that I have played ad infinitum. That was followed by Fusion Of Jazz (Open Doors Mix). Ad infinitum!! The AI remarked when I started this post that, “There is no direct evidence that Jazzy James Jr. plays trumpet”. It (the AI) goes on to say that “Jazzy James, Jr, is a prominent trumpet player in the world of jazz music”. Equivocate much? AI?! Maybe someday.
I grew up listening to the music of Hugh Masekela, and he remains amongst those whose musical talents impress me beyond reason. Wynton Marsalis takes me back to the Founders, as his style of play is seemingly never-ending, and he has certainly made his mark in the world of jazz. Not surprisingly, his finesse goes way beyond that realm.
I think that if I had the time, I would do an extraordinarily long dissertation on all the aforementioned artists. I am fascinated by them all. Alas, time escapes me (a lot!). Kudos to them all. Stop looking for that elusive “play button” – it’s right there!! Hit it and satiate your hungry ears! Enjoy.
copyright 2025 jblackstarr for SMOOTHE.
Jazz, jazz, and nothing but jazz. Well, mostly.
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